LANES
Celebrating Story. Creating Community.
| STF 2012 Bios Presenters & Performers |
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Biographies of Presenters and Performers Learn more about our performers and presenters for STF 2012. Listed alphabetically by first name. Scroll down to see all the bios or click on the letters below to find the Presenter or Performer you are searching for. A - B - C D - E -F G - J K - L M-P R-S
Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice Award Committee "SHOWCASE: Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice Award" 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Workshop Session B Storyteller Carol Birch is one of the founders and chairs of the selection committee for the Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice Award. For 20 years she has worked closely with seasoned storytellers and librarians Melissa Heckler, and Marcia Hupp who share her zeal for this award. http://wlschildrens.wordpress.com/anne-izard-storytellersaward
Audrey Daigneault Ph.D.
"How Do I Begin? An Introduction to Storytelling” 1:15 PM- 2:45 PM Workshop Session A Audrey Daigneault Ph.D., Storyteller, World Traveler & School Librarian, taught storytelling at URI.
Barbara Aliprantis
"CROSSING LANGUAGE BARRIERS WITH YOUR HANDS" 1:15 PM- 2:45 PM Workshop Session A Greek-American Storyteller Barbara Aliprantis, recipient of an NSN Oracle Service Award, performs and produce concerts/workshops for linguistically diverse multi-ethnic populations – hearing and Deaf - all ages - including those with special needs. http://www.barbaraaliprantis.com barbaraaliprantis1@gmail.com Bill Ratner Saturday Night Featured Storyteller – Olio 8 PM – 9:15 PM “The Dead Town”"
Voiceovers for Storytellers – Find Your Best Storyteller Voice 1:15 PM- 2:45 PM Workshop Session A Bill Ratner is an 8-time winner of The Moth Story Slams. His stories are featured on NPR. Bill is one of America's most successful voiceover performers. His narrations are heard on Discovery, History, Smithsonian Channel, movie trailers, and characters on computer games. He teaches voiceovers for the Screen Actors Guild Foundation. www.billratner.com bill@billratner.com
Bob Reiser
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Workshop Session D Mind-Movies (Envisioning your Stories with New Eyes) Bob Reiser’s books include Everybody Says Freedom, written with Pete Seeger. In 2009, Bob told at the Jonesborough Festival’s Exchange Place. In 2010 he was Teller in Residence at the International Storytelling Center. www.Bobtales.com bob@bobtales.com
Carol Birch
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Workshop Session B SHOWCASE: Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice Award NSN’s Circle of Excellence Award recipient, Carol Birch is one of the founders & chairs of the Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice Award. Appearances include 6 performances at the National Storytelling Festival (TN) and at more than 200 national & international regional festivals, conferences, and universities nationwide. www.carolbirchstoryteller.com carolbirch@earthlink.net
Carolyn Martino
1:15 PM- 2:45 PM Workshop Session A “It’s Not That Easy Being Green: Telling Tales of Redemption” Called "one of Rhode Island's most influential artists" by the Providence Phoenix, Carolyn Martino is “a true Rhode Island treasure,” whose unlimited energy and enthusiasm makes stories come alive for all ages.
Children at the Well Sunday Morning - 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Youth, Education Spirituality, Culture & Community, Creating Stories 1:15 PM- 2:45 PM Workshop Session A Marni Gillard and Paula Weiss - “Creating an Interfaith Youth Storytelling Program “
Along with Youth Storytellers: Ilyssa Simsek and Rishi Reddy
Based in the Capital District of New York, this unique and intergenerational storytelling program has been building bridges between individuals, families, and communities for nearly seven years. Children at the Well won the 2006 Brimstone Award from NSN, and since then has mentored an increasing number of youth from many different traditions. It remains the only such group in the country. www.childrenatthewell.org
Cindy Rivka Marshall
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM Sunday Workshop Session C What a Character! Portraying Characters With Your Body and Voice Cindy Rivka Marshall performs Jewish and multicultural programs nationally in synagogues, schools, and festivals, teaches workshops, has award-winning recordings, and directs Stories in Progress monthly in Needham, MA. cindy@cindymarshall.com www.cindymarshall.com
Cris Riedel
1:15 PM- 2:45 PM Workshop Session A You GOT ‘Em! Now FIND ‘Em! Discovering Your Character Voices Cris has been telling stories professionally for nineteen years. With an MFA in acting, she spent ten years in theater. She also holds an MLS (currently working in primary school). cris@storiesconnect.com www.storiesconnect.com
Deborah Freedman
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Workshop Session D "Grandma are you with me!" I have been creating fairy tales for others since the mid nineties. I have witnessed it's potency at memorial services, weddings, etc, in desperate as well as celebratory times. storyspell@hotmail.com www.storyspell.com
Elisa Pearmain
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM Sunday Workshop Session C Dining with our Demons: Cultivating Self-Compassion through Story. Elisa Pearmain is a professional storyteller, licensed psychotherapist, and award-winning author of two books. She has extensive training in therapeutic Mindfulness and finds endless opportunities to practice self-compassion. www.wisdomtales.com & www.elisapearmain.com elisa@wisdomtales.com http://wisdomtales.com
Fran Yardley Friday Night Storytelling Concert 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Workshop Session D "Journeys to Transformation: Sharing our Experience of How Story Heals" Fran Yardley, retreat director, storyteller, writer and workshop leader, is committed to exploring the diverse ways in which storytelling can be used for healing. She specializes in creating a safe space in which participants can discover confidence and joy in their own telling. She is Program Manager for Creative Healing Connections, Inc., an organization committed to offering creative experiences which promote healing and growth; www.creativehealingconnections.org .
Gerald Fierst
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Workshop Session B Making Life Rituals From Your Stories Certified Civil Celebrant; author The Heart of the Wedding; Featured Teller National Storytelling Festival; Parents Choice Awards; Artistic Director Jewish Storytelling Center; Founder New Jersey Storytelling Guild. gerald@geraldfierst.com www.theheartofthewedding.com
Geraldine Buckley Saturday Night Featured Storyteller – Olio 8 PM – 9:15 “Bored in Paradise”
“From The Pen To Performance” 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Workshop Session B Through folk stories and tales from her own life Geraldine takes the audience on a magic carpet ride of adventure, laughter and insight that leaves listeners both entertained and moved. And Geraldine has stories! In her eclectic past she has been, among other things, a minister in a large London Church, a radio DJ, a television newsreader, an events director, a ghostwriter, a food critic, a magazine editor and an award winning performance poet.
The Hudson River Ramblers featuring Jonathan Kruk, and Rich Bala
Education Youth Creating Stories 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Workshop Session D "Don’t Tread on Me” – Revolutionary Tales on Bullying & Character The Hudson River Ramblers – Storyteller Jonathan Kruk, Folksinger Rich Bala turn the Hudson’s heritage into lively performances. Offering award-winning CD’s: “Revolution on the River” & “Once Upon the Hudson” -
Jackson Gillman
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM Sunday Workshop Session C “High-Performance Coaching” During Jackson’s career of 30+ years, he’s been coached by, and has had the privilege of coaching, some of the best including: Judith Black, Michael Parent, Bill Harley, Jo Radner...
Jean Alter Education, youth Healing & Spirituality 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM Sunday Workshop Session C "Telling Stories to Teach Peace Skills" Jean Alter is a clinical social worker with a specialty in counseling children and adolescents. Currently, she works in New Jersey at a school for children with special needs. JeanAlter1@gmail.com
Jean Armstrong
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Workshop Session B "Character Voices That Don’t Damage Yours!" Jean Armstrong is a Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP), Storyteller, and Painter. Her private practice as a SLP focuses on voice rehabilitation and coaching to individuals, groups and corporations. She has presented and performed nationally. strongvoice12@yahoo.com www.jeanarmstrong.com
Jeanne Donato Ed.D.
1:15 PM- 2:45 PM Workshop Session A "How Do I Begin? An Introduction to Storytelling” Storyteller, Jeanne Donato Ed.D. Author, HeartMath Educator, Teaching Artist in: Storytelling, Writing, Brain Gym, & Stress Reduction. JeanneDonato@aol.com www.JeanneDonato.com
Jeff Gere
Youth, Performance Skills , Creating Stories 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Workshop Session B "In Your Face!" Jeff Gere: born Halloween, lives Honolulu, hosts Hawaii's largest storytelling event, produced Talk Story Conference (July ’09), 10 CDs, NSN Oracle ‘07, Florida Story Camp next, rubbery face.
Jo Radner
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM Workshop Session C From Seed to Tree: How to Grow Memories into Stories Oral historian, folklorist, and storyteller, Jo's New England stories favor characters whose lives defeat simple explanations. She is past president of the American Folklore Society and NSN. www.joradner.com jradner@american.edu
Joseph Peck Saturday Night Featured Storyteller – Olio8 PM – 9:15 "A Tractor in the House"
Joe Peck, a Cornell University graduate, Certified Toastmaster, and humorous speaker, milks 100 registered Holsteins on Peckhaven Farm in Saratoga County, NY, in partnership with his son David. The farm is both a Century Farm and Dairy of Distinction. Joe’s optimism, sense of humor, and farm experience helped him become a popular speaker, farm humorist and accomplished writer of humorous stories about farm life. http://joepeckonline.com/about.html joe@joepeckonline.com
John Porcino
Youth ,Education , Performance Skills , Creating Stories 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM Sunday Workshop Session C "How to Tell a Darn Good Story" It's been 30 years since John’s first class on storytelling. Thousands of performances/workshops later, John’s still in love with the laughter and insight a good story brings. www.johnporcino.com john@johnpprcino.com
Jonathan Kruk Friday Night Storytelling Concert
He’s been featured on The Travel and History Channels, and WAMC, WHUD radio. Jonathan’s performed at Pete Seegers’ Clearwater Festival, New York’s Quadricentenial the New-York Historical Society, and the Albany Institute of History and Art. He’s a BOCES approved artist educator. Watch his youtube clips and look up his “Wackadoodle Dictionary” on his website www.jonathankruk.com
Education Youth Creating Stories
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Workshop Session D The Hudson River Ramblers featuring Jonathan Kruk, Rich Bala, "Don’t Tread on Me” – Revolutionary Tales on Bullying & Character The Hudson River Ramblers – Storyteller Jonathan Kruk, Folksinger Rich Bala turn the Hudson’s heritage into lively performances. Offering award-winning CD’s: “Revolution on the River” & “Once Upon the Hudson” - www.jonathankruk.com www.hudsonriverramblers.com
Joy Kelly Smith Friday Night Storytelling Concert
A native of Tennessee and the daughter of a Baptist preacher, Joy grew up with storytelling all around her. She began telling her own stories at the tender age of 10. The traditional tale “The Golden Arm” became a much-requested family favorite! Since then Joy has branched out performing in museums, schools and libraries in the New York City area as well as being a featured teller at the Clearwater Festival and the Mohegan Festival. She is also featured in the
Judith Heineman
Culture & Community Creating Stories 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM Sunday Workshop Session C "Turning Your Travels into Tellable Tales: For Fun & Profit" with Julie Herrera llinois Humanities “Road” Scholar,” Judith Heineman, won Chicago’s SAGE Award for “Promoting International Art of Storytelling,” wrote chapter “Storytelling in China”: Storytelling Art & Technique, produces Tellabration (15th!), (Chicago), Mohegan Storytelling Festival (NY), NSN Chicago Conference co-chair, 2003. CD: Grimm’s Grimmest, won Parents’ Choice GOLD. www.storytelling.org/heineman juhestories@aol.com
Julia M. Morris
Education Performance Skills, Creating Stories 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Workshop Session D "Journeys Through Narrative; Stories That Move and Sing" Julia M. Morris is a storyteller with the Early Stages Program in New York City. Ms. Morris is a doctoral candidate in Mythological Studies at the Pacifica Graduate Institute. JusieM@aol.com www.moveandsing.com
Julie Herrera
Culture & Community Creating Stories 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM Sunday Workshop Session C "Turning Your Travels into Tellable Tales: For Fun & Profit" with Judith Heineman Lifelong storyteller, Julie Herrera, is a member of NSN, FSA, TBSG, RMS, SNM, Spellbinders. An educator for over 40 years, she is under contract to publish a Chinese Folktale Anthology this spring. www.storiesbyjulie.com julie@storiesbyjulie.com
Karen Chace "Enhance Your Online Presence: Blog It Baby!" 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Workshop Session B "Branding - It Doesn't Have to Hurt!" with Simon Brooks 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM Sunday Workshop Session C A storyteller, workshop leader, and producer, Karen authors a blog and newsletter and writes for Storytelling Magazine. She received the 2011 NSN Oracle Award for Service and Leadership and the Brother blue and Ruth Hill Award in 2009. storybug@aol.com http://www.storybug.net
Kent Busman Friday Night Storytelling Concert
For over 20 years, Kent Busman has been telling stories to people of all ages. While working in Alaska, he learned his first tale, "The Cremation of Sam Magee," and practiced telling it as he hitchhiked from Anchorage back to Michigan. Since then, Busman has been able to integrate stories into his vocation. As Director of Camp Fowler and Conference Center, a youth camp in Speculator, NY, he has used stories in the entire camp experience. "Telling stories of caring for the world, stories of wonder and joy, and stories of faith and hope, help to remind the listeners of not only how special the world is, but how special they are, too." Busman is also an ordained minister in the Reformed Church of America.
Lani Peterson Saturday Night Featured Storyteller – Olio 8 PM – 9:15 "Growing up with Jane Goodall"
With a background in psychology and literature, Lani brings alive thought-provoking stories, lectures and workshops. Blending theory and experience into her presentations and stories, Lani guides listeners to see themselves and their world from new and stronger perspectives.
Lee-Ellen Marvin Friday Night Storytelling Concert
Lee-Ellen has devoted over 30 years to storytelling. Her journey began in Boston, Massachusetts as a producer for a children’s radio program heard on NPR. Her storytelling for family audiences includes Animal Tails (cassette, 1989, Yellow Moon Press); an adaptation of The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett; and Stories & Songs of a Dog Named Bear. Adult projects include Women Standing Up, a collection of stories about women in peace and social action and twenty-six different interpretations of one Aesop’s fable on www.26variations.com. Lee-Ellen has taught storytelling for numerous colleges and universities and directs the Community Role Players in Ithaca, NY in addition to serving as Executive Director for Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service in Ithaca, New York.
Leeny Del Seamonds
1:15 PM- 2:45 PM Workshop Session A "Master Coaching with Leeny Del Seamonds” Leeny Del Seamonds is an internationally acclaimed performer of Latino, original and World tales spiced with mime and palpable characterizations. With passion and wit, Leeny’s performances headline happenings worldwide. www.LeenyDelSeamonds.com; leeny@LeenyDelSeamonds.com .
Lorna MacDonald Czarnota Friday Night Storytelling Concert
Lorna MacDonald Czarnota has delighted audiences in schools, libraries, festivals and conferences throughout the United States, Canada, and Ireland with traditional and original stories since 1985. Her work features historical presentations, storytelling, writing workshops, and motivational presentations. She specializes in work with at-risk youth, Celtic folklore, and the use of music and song to enhance story.
Marcia Hupp 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Workshop Session B "Showcase- Winning Tales: The Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice Award" Marcia is the Head of Youth Services at Mamaroneck Public Library, for a decade she was
Marion Leeper Youth (for adults working with children in the early years), Education, Performance Skills, Culture & Community, Creating Stories 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Workshop Session B "The Storymat: Rich Strong and Powerful Stories for Young Children" Marion works as a storyteller, trainer and educator for children in the early years. Her storymat has visited schools, museums, libraries, and festivals throughout the UK. www.marionleeper.co.uk marion_leeper@ntlworld.com
Marni Gillard
Youth, Education Spirituality, Culture & Community, Creating Stories 1:15 PM- 2:45 PM Workshop Session A "Creating an Interfaith Youth Storytelling Program" Marni Gillard, Co-Coach for Children at the Well, wrote Storyteller, Storyteacher: Discovering the Power of Storytelling for Teaching and Living. Her 2-CD Without a Splash offers models for youth memory tales. www.marnigillard.com and http://www.interfaithstory.org/children-at-the-well.shtml
Mary Stewart 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Workshop Session D "Gathering at the Table of Life" As a professional chef and storyteller for over 25 years, Mary shares the transformative power of gathering together and feeding one another.
Melissa Heckler
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Workshop Session B "Showcase- Winning Tales: The Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice Award" Melissa Heckler is a school librarian in Croton, New York and co-author with Carol Birch of Who Says? Essays on Pivotal Issues in Contemporary Storytelling . She has served on the Anne Izard Committee since its inception. http://wlschildrens.wordpress.com/anne-izard-storytellersaward
Michael Parent
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Workshop Session D "Mentoring – One Possible Approach” Michael has told stories since 1977 in the U.S and beyond. In workshops, he teaches well and creates a supportive and challenging environment. NSN Circle of Excellence Award recipient. www.michaelparentstorytelling.com, michaelparent@maine.rr.com
Paula Weiss Youth Performance Showcase Sunday Morning - 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Youth, Education Spirituality, Culture & Community, Creating Stories 1:15 PM- 2:45 PM Workshop Session A "Creating an Interfaith Youth Storytelling Program" Paula Weiss, Co-Creator and Executive Director of Children at the Well, was drawn into the wonderful world of storytelling through her daughter Adah. She’s very happy to remain off-stage as an administrator! paulabweiss@gmail.com Childrenatthewell.org
Priscilla Howe Performing Skills Creating Stories 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Workshop Session D "Going Deep: Telling Tales of Epic Proportions” Since 1988, Priscilla has traveled the world with a bagful of puppets and a headful of stories. She’s one of the producers of the Going Deep Long Traditional Story Retreat. Priscilla lives in Kansas City with her cat, Francis Bacon. She’s also searching for the best restaurant pie on earth. priscilla@priscillahowe.com www.priscillahowe.com Regi Carpenter Friday Night Storytelling Concert
Regi Carpenter is a fourth generation "River Rat" from the Saint Lawrence River. Her appearances include The National Storytelling Festival, Cape Girardeau Festival, the Ojai Festival, Taos, NM and the St. Louis Festival. Her new book, "Where There's Smoke, There's Dinner" will be published in Sept of 2012 by Parkhurst Brothers, Inc. Regina Ress Friday Night Storytelling Concert
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Workshop Session D "Bilingual Storytelling: Adding Flavor and Fun to your Story” Regina Ress, award winning storyteller, writer, and educator, has performed and taught from Brazil to Broadway in museums, prisons, homeless shelters and the White House. She is a teaching artist for Arts Horizons and YANY, teaches storytelling for NYU's Program in Educational Theatre and produces the storytelling series at NYC’s historic Provincetown Playhouse. She has told stories in Spanish in international festivals in Latin America and Europe. Her New York stories are a regular feature of "Cityscape" on NPR outlet WFUV. Long time board member of the New York Storytelling Center and MetroNY liaison to NSN, Regina is grateful to be working with Story.
Rich Bala
The Hudson River Ramblers featuring Jonathan Kruk, Rich Bala,
Education Youth Creating Stories
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Workshop Session D Don’t Tread on Me” – Revolutionary Tales on Bullying & Character The Hudson River Ramblers – Storyteller Jonathan Kruk, Folksinger Rich Bala turn the Hudson’s heritage into lively performances. Offering award-winning CD’s: “Revolution on the River” & “Once Upon the Hudson” - www.richbala.com www.hudsonriverramblers.com
Robert Smyth
1:15 PM- 2:45 PM Workshop Session A "Sound System Basic’s – XRL or 1/4 inch what’s the difference?” Robert Smyth is the producer/publisher of 23 award – winning audio recording of storytelling over 25 plus years. He has published and/or produced 3 ALA Noteable Children’s Recording’s, 4 Parents’ Choice Gold Awards, a recipient of the Brother blue and Ruth Hill Award in 2011 and numerous others.
Robin Bady Saturday Night Featured Storyteller – Olio 8 PM – 9:15 "The overcoat and me"
3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Workshop Session B "Whose Story Is It, Anyway?”
Brooklyn-based performer Robin Bady loves to tell stories and teach storytelling. She is founder of Shirazad’s Children, an artist ensemble created in response to 9/11. Robin partners with award winning cartoonist Richard Codor, is a member of the environmentalist music group, Bash the Trash, and has worked with Brooklyn for Peace. Her work is nurtured with joy, performed with exuberance and compassion, and shaped by her commitment to justice. robbady@aol.com www.robinbady.com
Ruth Canonico 3:15 PM - 4:45 PM Workshop Session B “Tell them Again for Me” Stories from Scottish (Gypsy) Travelers Ruth Canonico, Singer*Storyteller*Folklorist*Teacher, Is dedicated to keeping alive the creative imagination of the child through the universal lessons inherent in sung and spoken narratives from around the world. http://home.comcast.net/~tunefullytoldtale , storyproductions@hotmail.com
Shawn Middleton 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM Workshop Session C "Bringing It Back To Nature" (Storytelling With Nature) Shawn graduated from the University of New Hampshire with an associate’s degree in business and bachelor’s degree in Social Work. He has been professional storyteller for 12 years. www.storytellingwithshawn.com Shawn@storytellingwithshawn.com
Simon Brooks
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM Sunday Workshop Session C "Branding - It Doesn't Have to Hurt!" with Karen Chace Since 2003 award-winning British storyteller Simon Brooks has constantly worked on his brand since then. With Simon, listeners understand the magic in powerfully told stories. Simon@diamondscree.com http://www.diamondscree.com
Susanna Holstein (Granny Sue)
1:15 PM- 2:45 PM Workshop Session A "Introduction to Appalachian Ballads” Although her focus is Appalachian culture, Holstein’s diverse repertoire includes world folktales, family and participation stories. Her programs often include British and Appalachian ballads sung in the traditional unaccompanied style.
Performances That were offered in 2012
Friday Night Storytelling Concert Saturday Night Featured Storyteller – Olio
Workshops that were offered in 2012 Coaching Creating Stories Culture & Community Education Healing & Spirituality Performing Skills Technology & Business Please check back and join us at our next SHARING THE FIRE Go to membership form to join online or copy and paste form to send snail mail Announcing: The LANES Teller-Phone - Call 617-499-9662
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